The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
December 1, 2002
In
This Issue:
Problem
Sovers VS. Fault Finders
by
Greg Gwin
What
the World by its Wisdom Cannot Know
by
Billy Norris
Problem Solvers vs. Fault Finders
Let me state some realities for you. I believe these things could be said about any local congregation, anywhere in the world:
1) The church is not as evangelistic as it ought to be.
2) We don't do enough to support the weak and to en-courage those who are struggling with hardships in their lives.
3) The church isn't as friendly as it could be. There isn't as much close association among the members as there ought to be.
4) The Bible classes could be improved. The subject matter is sometimes lacking, and the teacher's are sometimes unprepared.
5) We aren't doing enough benevolence. We are too slow to step forward when legitimate needs are put before us.
This is just a sampling. You can, no doubt, think of other things to expand this list. Our point, however, is this: What are YOU doing about these deficiencies? There are two types of members in the church, and they have opposite reactions to the kind of problems we have listed here.
There are some that are dedicated to serving in the kingdom. When they see areas that need attention, they jump to work. When there are lost people that need to be taught, weak brethren to encourage, sick people to visit, these folks don't wait to be told -- they are busy working to address such needs. For example, instead of complaining that the church is unfriendly, they are doing their best to change that reputation by inviting people into their homes and by actively showing their love and concern for others. They get involved in bringing about needed changes. In short, these are those ones who love the church and want to see it grow.
Sadly, there are others who only intend to complain. They are never happy and are constantly finding fault. Such members see none of the good in the congregation. They gripe and grouse and do nothing positive. Their contribution to the church is to tear it down, not build it up.
Which of these descriptions fits YOU?
- By Greg Gwin, via The Beacon
There is much the world can know by its wisdom, as demonstrated by its tremendous advances in the technological age in which we live. Yet there is so much of vital importance the world will never know by its wisdom.
The world by its wisdom cannot know God.
There is strong evidence of God in
nature. "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament
shows His handiwork" (Psalms 19:1). Nature testifies to the
existence of God, but it does not declare the full revelation of God
to man. Among the ancients, many of the world's greatest thinkers
were without a true knowledge of God. This does not mean that the
world was totally indifferent to the idea of God, for men of all ages
have been interested in religion and worship some object. Some of the
ancient philosophers taught that there is no God. Most taught a
plurality of gods, ranging from the sun and heavenly bodies to things
of the earth - man-made images, or glorified beings with passions as
that of human beings.
In all of their profound thinking, they still did not know the true God. Socrates taught that God "was one, immutable, and the Creator of all things," and yet he admitted that, while he knew what God was not, he knew not what He was. He taught that the people should worship the gods of their own community. Yet some of the community gods were characterized by the corrupt passions of human beings. In the temple of Corinth, a thousand priestesses were on hand to satisfy sexual, lustful desires in the act of worship.
Paul states emphatically that the world in its wisdom did not know God. "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" (I Corinthians 1:21).
The world by its wisdom cannot know God's great
scheme of redemption.
In His infinite wisdom, God deliberately
determined His requirements for salvation to destroy the wisdom of
the wise. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those
who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of
God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent" (I
Corinthians 1:18,19).
God requires today that all believe that Jesus is His Son and man's only Savior (Matthew 17:5). Many in their own wisdom refuse to believe in Christ the Son of God. In their refusal, they condemn themselves to die in their sins. "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24).
God requires today that men repent and turn away from their sinful ways to walk in the footsteps of Christ, to change their lives from evil to good. "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). To many whose decisions are made by the wisdom of the world, such a requirement is contrary to their way of life and, consequently, completely unacceptable.
God further requires today that the penitent believer be baptized for the remission of sins. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). The reasoning of the world sees no connection between baptism in water and remission of sins. Such a requirement appears foolish. Even many religious people who claim to be guided by the word of God rebel at the idea of baptism for the remission of sins. To them, salvation is by faith alone, salvation at the point of faith. If this position is true, not only is baptism not essential, but also repentance, and everything else that God requires for the sinner's justification.
In its own wisdom, the world will never know God's plan of salvation for the alien sinner.
The world by its wisdom cannot know and appreciate
the high moral principles of God.
An excerpt from the sermon on the mount
gives an example of these principles: "You have heard that it
was said of those of old. 'You shall not commit adultery,' But I say
to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already
committed adultery with her in his heart&ldots;' Furthermore, it has
been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate
of divorce.' But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any
reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and
whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery"
(Matthew 5:27-32). The world in it wisdom does not know this standard
of moral conduct.
The world by its wisdom cannot know the true
worship of God.
The world's idea of public worship has
been extravagantly showy, entertaining, and, in some cases, sensual.
Christ taught the requirements of true worship. "God is Spirit,
and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth"
(John 4:24). When one worships God "in spirit," he or she
worships in reverential awe, in humble recognition of God as worthy
of all praise and adoration. When one worships in truth, it will be
according to the guidance God has given in His word. It will
certainly not be in worship of man as if he were God (Acts 10:25,26).
If one depends upon all the wisdom the world has to offer, he may be judged wise, but he still will not know how to please God and reach heaven. He will not know "&ldots;the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 3:15).
-- By Billy Norris, via Gospel Guide, Russellville, AL